MOF-Coated 3D-Printed ZnO Tetrapods as a Two-in-One Sensor for H2 Sensing and UV Detection

Abstract

The various applications of hydrogen in the energy sector require sensor materials that can efficiently detect small amounts of H2 in gas mixtures. One solution is the use of a Metal-organic Framework (MOF)-functionalized oxide gas sensor, specifically a MOF-functionalized ZnO sensor. The sensor is composed of tetrapodal ZnO microparticles coated with a thin layer of MOF, which results in a core@shell composite structure. Prior to the conversion to MOF, these microparticles are 3D printed to create macroscopic sensor circuitry. The sensor demonstrated selectivity and sensitivity to 100 ppm H2 in air at an operating temperature of 250 ℃. The sensor is based on crystalline t-ZnO as a core which is partially converted to ZIF-8 (zinc dimethylimidazolate, Zn(MeIM)2). MOF are a class of porous materials composed of metal ions or clusters connected by organic ligands.